How to Choose an HVAC Contractor in Ridgedale and the Branson area

Choosing an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some homework to make sure you’re making the best choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can pick.

When they set up your installation, is it when you want to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in-between. You could get the best system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best decision while finding your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest non-profit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have proven their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and specialized tests developed by a committee of industry authorities. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will give you peace-of-mind knowing your contractor has completed rigorous professional training.

Do they have references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can talk to and confirm the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend the company.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll be shown any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be committed to their work and will be able to offer referrals for previous work.

Another route is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are normally the most useful recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust backs them it’s likely they’ll do great work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason many states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help get around any potential problems.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and find an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s operating normally and schedule your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Branson HVAC, LLC in Ridgedale and the Branson area. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 417-544-4430 or you can simply set up an appointment with us online. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.

Lennox was created to deliver some of the most long-lasting, reliable HVAC systems in the industry while providing the best service and quality for customers. Branson HVAC, LLC in Ridgedale and the Branson area is no different, with our on-going dedication to your comfort and commitment to the community. We strive to be the best at what we do so you can always be comfortable, and know you can always count on us. Give us a call at 417-544-4430 or schedule an appointment with us so we can help you achieve complete home comfort.